KDIC discusses sidewalk ordinance

Members of the Kirksville Downtown Improvement Committee voiced few issues with the city’s Sidewalk Usage ordinance after being invited Tuesday to help guide the discussion on what downtown sidewalks can legally be used for.

KDIC’s city representative Sarah Halstead told the committee during its meeting Tuesday that Council will likely examine the ordinance in the coming weeks with a goal of simplifying its language and resolving an exact process for obtaining a usage variance.

“We have had a few complaints about sidewalk usage downtown,” Halstead said. “And we don’t have a problem with the sidewalks being used, we just want to make sure it’s all clear and OK for everyone.”

KDIC members expressed few issues with the current ordinance, which allows for business to use the sidewalk adjacent to their business as long as it does not impede sidewalk traffic. Halstead said there is currently a “vague” process for obtaining a variance for any sidewalk usage.

“When we tweak the ordinance we want to make sure it’s what you guys want,” Halstead said.

KDIC President Justin Tallman said he believed for the most part downtown business owners used “common sense” when it came to sidewalk usage.

KDIC member Angie Findling, with Steve’s Garden Deli, said the restaurant appreciates being able to put tables and chairs on its sidewalk and that they would like to continue doing so.

The group also advanced its efforts on a membership drive and creation of promotional materials including a brochure, revamped Facebook page and website.